Declining housing affordability in our major cities is the new flashpoint for Australia’s ailing planning systems. The inability of planning systems to react quickly to housing shortages and boost housing supplies is acknowledged as a key factor contributing to declining housing affordability.

Effective planning systems across Australia can be achieved by:

Making planning rules in each state and territory simpler, consistent and efficient - and backed by accountability

Introducing more ‘code assessment’ to see approvals fast-tracked

Aligning land use plans with state infrastructure strategies

Enhancing the use of independent development assessment to take the politics out of planning

Streamlining the number of local councils in urban centres

Introducing effective community engagement when local planning schemes are formulated and eliminating third party appeals to approved development applications

Mandating local housing development and employment targets in the strategic plans for our cities

Mandating accountability, performance targets and reporting for local government

Requiring all states and territories to introduce and maintain a ‘performance-based’ culture in local planning systems.